AI-generated summary
Trump returned to the White House in January 2025 and launched a war against Iran in February that stalled oil shipments from the Middle East and drove up fuel prices.
According to a survey, US President Donald Trump's approval ratings have recovered slightly from a record low, but the Democrats are expanding their lead ahead of the upcoming congressional elections. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Monday, 44 percent of voters would currently vote for the Democrats and 37 percent for Trump's Republicans.
A lead of seven points is the largest since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. At the same time, the Republicans are losing their long-standing advantage in economic competence: 38 percent of those surveyed trust the Democrats more on economic issues, compared to 37 percent of the Republicans.
Trump's personal approval rating rose to 35 percent after hitting the lowest point of his political career at 33 percent in late August. Trump's popularity has suffered significantly since the war he launched against Iran in February. The conflict has stalled oil shipments from the Middle East and driven up fuel prices, also straining U.S. household finances.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Democrats will increase their lead in the congressional elections.
Likely · Within weeks
Fuel prices will remain high as long as the Iran war continues.
Likely · Within months
Former CIA Director John Brennan is scheduled to testify before a grand jury in Florida on October 15 about an alleged conspiracy against Donald Trump. His lawyer accuses the government of framing a fabricated crime and demands that evidence be preserved. The investigation continues despite the resignation of the senior public prosecutor.
The Hungarian government has presented a bill that would delete passages from the child protection law that prohibit the depiction of homosexuality for minors. Instead, content that can seriously harm children's development should be banned. Prime Minister Péter Magyar emphasizes that the new rules are independent of sexual orientation and in line with EU law.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fired Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko over corruption allegations. Kravchenko announced his resignation after allegations of fraudulent call centers and money laundering emerged. He is now abroad and has filed a criminal complaint against the director of the anti-corruption agency Nabu.
Twelve European countries called for greater EU engagement in the region at the two-day Arctic summit, citing the significant and long-term threat posed by Russia. They called on the EU to take a more strategic and proactive role in the European Arctic. Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of the region for Europe's security and stability as well as its economic opportunities.
After the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, the National Security Council under Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed the ongoing threat of hybrid attacks from Russia and decided on new steps against espionage, sabotage and to protect critical infrastructure. The government is also planning to amend investment review law and take measures to diversify the supply of raw materials.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed his trust in the SPD's top candidate Steffen Krach despite ongoing criminal investigations into suspicion of accepting benefits in two cases. Krach is running in the Berlin election next Sunday and rejects the allegations.